DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
“When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand….” Esther 5:1
DEVOTIONAL
We are in a very special time in the Body of Christ, we are celebrating the heroics efforts of Queen Esther with the Feast of Purim. Purim commemorates the salvation of the Israelite people during the Persian exile, and Queen Esther was in the center of this historic story. Esther, taken into the highest circle of royalty, unknowingly found herself in a unique position to bring salvation to God’s people, and she stood against the schemes of the wretched Haman to exterminate the Isrealites. But when Queen Esther was approached with her divine assignment, she felt as though she was equipped nor worthy to do what God had called her to do. However, with the support of her uncle Mordecai, Esther understands that she has been called for “such a time as this” (Esther 4:14) and she reveals Haman’s wicked plot, and he is hung on the same gallows he intended for the Isrealites. But this was not without the help of our Father, God softened the King’ heart towards Esther and accepted her into his inner courts.
Probably the greatest deterrent to being effective in our life purpose is the belief that all has to be right or perfect before we can go do what we have been called to do. Too often we think that we need to be highly educated and perfect in a million different ways to handle what God lays before us. But being willing to serve is all that’s needed—God will provide the favor to do the rest. Just as God provided for great leaders in the Old Testament who thought they were weak, lacked skill, or were insignificant, so too will He provide the needed talents and the table for you to spread your gifts. For Esther, who was one of many women in a pagan king’s court, God provided the favor, the wisdom, and the strength to plead for her people (Esther 4:12-16). He has a great plan, and nothing is greater than being allowed to be a part of that plan! When God has a need in his world, He lays His hand on some particular person to meet that need. For Moses who thought he was not an eloquent speaker, God provided the words (Exodus 4:10-12). For Gideon who considered himself insignificant, God provided him with confidence (Judges 6:6:15-16).
Sometimes, if we won’t do what He asks, He will raise up someone else to do it. Years before, when He called Esther to go to the King and save her people from whole slaughter, He told her someone would do it if she didn’t (Esther 4:12-16). Serving the Lord in the most significant way begins with an open and willing heart. Open your heart to the Lord. God’s calling on your life will never lack His supply. And those who know and trust in God’s love, and pray with great boldness as Esther did can expect to walk boldly and confidently into their especially designed purpose and destiny!
DEVOTIONAL PRAYER
Father, send me where I can be used. Lord, choose the path that I am to walk, and guide my footsteps so I will not stray from the direction You have created just for me. Show me where I am needed not where I want to be or where I feel comfortable. Give me the passion to pursue Your Will with a zeal, boldness and faithfulness, as there is not a more fulfilling, peaceful place to be in this life, than soundly in the center of Your Will. It is so, so be it.
Contributed by: Pastor Yolanda Douthit. If this devotional has encouraged you, share with your friends and family. Click the social share button or leave a comment in the box below for Pastor Yolanda.